20 ~ June, 2016 - Collegiate Range Hiking and Camping

journal . stories . life )


Person sitting on the grass near a gray and red camping tent with two dogs, surrounded by trees and sunlight filtering through the foliage black and white dog standing on rocky ground with part of another dog visible in the foreground small creek flowing through a dense forest with tall spruce trees and green moss-covered rocks Forest scene with tall spruce trees and sunlight filtering through the canopy onto a person sitting with dogs near the forest floor Black and white dog sitting on a forest trail surrounded by trees and dappled sunlight Bright orange and yellow flames burning over a small campfire surrounded by dark rocks Delicate light purple orchids blooming amidst green foliage and forest floor debris Close-up of delicate purple wildflowers with curved petals against a dark, blurred forest background Delicate purple orchid flower with thin petals growing in shaded natural setting


Went down a little-used trail to the junction of two creeks, where the spruce grows very tall. Years ago I discovered hundreds of Calypso orchids grow in the deep shade where the creeks join. Found them in bloom yesterday - seeing and photographing such beauty is awe-inspiring! love this state!

lots of rain and lightning yesterday afternoon and evening. Lucky that it stopped around 7:30 pm. I was able to cook dinner and stand over a fire to warm up before getting into the sleeping bag.

Pretty sure I saw a mountain lion streak down the slope below the cliff we camped on. (yesterday). And this morning found two scent piles - needles and twigs dragged into a pile. I noticed them because the dogs were investigating them. Then of course Beau had to lift his leg on them. Also saw bear scat, and anthills dug apart by bears. I don't really mind if Beau barks some when we are camped in an area like that - a message that they can have it back when we are gone. (of course the dogs sleep in the tent with me)


journal . stories . life )

by james ratzloff

Man sitting on grass near a tent in a forested area with three dogs, surrounded by tall pine trees and mountainous terrain
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